Today I begin a series of blog posts on why I have chosen to make photography my passion, my art medium, and my career.

Following my series, I will also run a series of guest posts from other people who feel that photography has been a positive influence in their lives, too. Some of these people are photographers who are passionate about their career, some are artists in other media who also enjoy photography, some are casual photographers, but all have one thing in common. Photography has had a positive impact on their lives.

#1. I love photography because it constantly provides me with opportunities to build new skills and learn new techniques.

Life is a never ending learning experience. Photography is a great discipline in that there is always something new to learn. So many new things, always fresh and inviting. I could learn a new thing about photography every day (and I often do) and I will never discover answers to all my questions. How thrilling is that?

For example, here are a few of the many photo-related items on my explore list for the month of September:

1. I want to explore the use of neutral gradient filters.

2. I want to compare the different methods of sharpening in post processing.

3. I want to choose one photograph and print it on the four types of paper I have, plus print it on canvas.

4. I want to find a resource or two that explains the different equipment that can be used for macro-photography.

5. I want to read the book Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision by David DuChemin.

6. I want to catch up on editing my photographs from my early summer trip to Seattle.

7. Research how to best take photographs of thermal features including geysers, hot pools, fumaroles and hot pots.

8. Make a map of the thermal features to photograph in Yellowstone NP including best times to photograph in October.

I may not get all of these items crossed off my September list, but I’ve made a good start. After all, learning is a never ending process.

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I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Just read the first of the series Bo, I am looking forward to reading the rest. I highly recommend “Within the Frame”. There is so much out there written about how to use your gear but very little written about how to use your eyes.